Different Types of N95 Particulate Respirator Masks

iTechMedia — Mon, 03 May 2021 03:36:16 +0000

The global coronavirus pandemic has affected people all over the world in different ways although the strategies to prevent the disease were the same. Even with vaccines and antiviral medications, it is recommended to follow strategies involving the use of N95 respirators and surgical masks until at least the virus mutations occur. ALG Health is state of the art face mask manufacturing facility in USA proudly serving American medical community with premium quality products. They handle orders for NIOSH approved face masks with care to deliver on time. They take care of customer’s needs and help them choose the most suitable face masks depending on the purpose and exposure risk.

Standard N95 Respirators

NIOSH approved N95 particulate respirators are certified by testing the physical and performance characteristics. N95 masks are ideally worn by health professionals to reduce their exposure to airborne particle hazards. The standard N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% of the particles which are then tested against the most penetrating particles to pass NIOSH criteria. The filtering efficiency is same for the standard N95 particulate respirators and N95 surgical respirators with difference in fluid resistance.

Surgical N95 Masks

N95 surgical masks are designed for the safety of healthcare professionals while performing surgical operations. These masks are also evaluated by the FDA to test for their fluid resistance and clear them as surgical masks. These masks are also referred to as medical respirators and are only needed for workers performing tasks with significant risk of exposure to high pressure liquid streams. Such tasks pose hazards for the health care workers as there may be airborne droplets with virus and bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to select appropriate face masks that can filter efficiently and protect against viruses. It is also important to realize that surgical N95 respirators are being prioritized for healthcare workers serving patients with risk of exposure to splatters of blood and body fluids in procedural settings. Surgical masks are meant for protecting the wearer from inhaling particles while also trapping expelled particles from wearer in surgical environments.

Molded N95 Respirators

Molded N95 respirators are pre-formed to secure a perfect fit with adjustable nose clip. These masks are rated as NIOSH industrial and NIOSH surgical respirators with 95% bacterial filtration efficiency. These are cup shaped masks that are molded to form a custom fit and stay in the desired shape when used.

Foldable N95 Respirators

The flat fold N95 respirators have additional features with variation in shape so as to fold them easily. The foldable mask is more flexible for wearers as it adapts to their facial features. Moreover, these masks are easy to carry, easy to wear, and easy to dispose. The seal should always be checked each time you wear the mask to ensure it has not been damaged.

N95 Respirator with Valve

N95 respirator mask with an exhalation valve are designed for comfortable breathing for the wearer although these masks do not filter the expelled particles. The exhale valve filters the particles inhaled by wearers and are therefore not recommended for patients who have been infected by the virus.